“When the well is dry, we learn the worth of water.” –Benjamin Franklin

Water – the elixir of life. Water flows around us every day, in the vast oceans, meanderingrivers and springs, ponds and even flows down around us as rain, snow, and ice. Life could notbe sustainable without water yet we sometimes take it for granted that it will always be at ourfingertips. We are even surrounded by it for nine months in our mother’s womb where thecomforts of a heartbeat keep us content before the jolt of the outside world invades our privacy and seclusion.

Spas around the world have dedicated their whole business around water, earliest known spagoers were the Greeks and Romans who found curative practices in the hot springs after hard and long battles. Although, a day on the job can sometimes feel like a battle most of us go the spa to unwind, relax and just take in the baths. Some of the more popular water spa treatments are salt water baths, mineral spring baths, hot tubs, whirlpools, steam rooms, the cold water plunges all renowned for its therapeutic effects. But there is one kind of water even older than all of the above and it's making quite a splash in the spa industry, Iceberg Water. Iceberg water has been around for thousands and thousands of years encapsulated in time and is known for its purity, serenity and clean crystal taste. Spas around the world are looking at this “new” water with interest and incorporating it into their spa treatments. So, what do we know about this ancient water and what does it mean as an alternative treatment in the spa industry?

Iceberg water is born at the top of the World in the Arctic Polar Icecap where the purest watershave been locked away for over 20,000 years. As the ice breaks away, it follows the oceancurrent south through “Iceberg Alley”, an area off the northern coast of Newfoundland andLabrador, Canada. It’s here that the simplest, healthiest and finest water is frozen solid. It hasbeen untouched by pollutants and toxins leaving a pure pristine iceberg water. Benefits ofIceberg Water: “The pH level (of iceberg water) is 5.0 which is really close to the pH of yourskin which is between 4.5 – 5.5. So it’s really hydrating on the skin and it neutralizes becauseit’s at the same pH as your skin. Most mineral waters have a pH of 7 or 8 so it can be moredrying”, says Darlene McCarthy, Vice President of I.C. Spa Products Inc. Iceberg water is usedas a naturally toxin-free base leaving your skin more hydrated, pure and smooth to the touch.The pH of Iceberg water is considered neutral and is more beneficial for the human skin. Thehigher pH value of a cosmetic used on the skin will tend to swell the skin and make it morepermeable. Iceberg water is refreshing, natural, has no aftertaste, no added minerals and has the lowest total dissolved solids of any water available. An FDA quality water analysis facility inPhiladelphia has done some extensive research into the purity of Iceberg water and has scientific documentation that says Iceberg Water is indeed one of the purest waters on this blue earth. Drinking iceberg water is one of the most environmentally conscious methods of meeting the world’s increasing demand for clean fresh water.

How can we incorporate Iceberg water into our spa treatments? Easy, used in our steamersduring a facial is a direct way to hydrate the skin with pure water and because there are nominerals in the water it won’t clog the steamers and won’t leave a nasty green/brown color onthe heating element, which means less cleaning of the steamer! Mixing in body treatments likeseaweed, mud, and body exfoliate. Adding and mixing Iceberg water to these treatments ensures the esthetician and the health conscious client that they are receiving the purest and pH balanced treatment possible.

Iceberg Water also has the highest levels of oxygen, so it provides an excellent Oxygen Facialand benefits the facial zones which increase oxygen infusion into the skin: “Oxygen skin care is based on the premise that stable natural oxygen increases skin cell metabolism. All cells require natural oxygen, which consists of two atoms bound together by a stable covalent bond. This is not to be confused with unstable forms of oxygen, which are known as free radicals.”

Let’s take a look at how Advanced Dermatology works. The infusion of oxygen, vitamins andincreased hyaluronic acid enables connective tissue to bind moisture thousands of times itsweight and maintains tissue structure, lubrication and flexibility and lessens the free radical damage. Ossetra’s Iceberg O2 serum, for example, helps to reduce wrinkles and is good for the skin as it encourages the growth of new cells as well as collagen. This treatment may also regenerate skin that has been exposed to impurities, such as tobacco smoke and environmental toxins that starve cells of their oxygen. In addition, while some therapy treatments can cost exuberant amounts, an oxygen facial is still less expensive than Botox ™ injections or other chemical facial fillers. This treatment has even been used to help minimized acne scars, as it is believed that the infusion of oxygen helps the skin to create new cells at a faster rate and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.

Unlike microdermabrasion and other methods of smoothing out the skin for a more even tone, an oxygen facial therapy does not usually cause any side effects, such as stinging, itching, or burning. The method of delivery used in order to pump oxygen into the skin is gentle, which makes the treatment a viable option for those with rosacea, couperose and sensitive dry skin.

Those who have difficulties with injections or other harsh treatments to diminish wrinkles find the oxygen facials are able to resume normal activities right away and even apply makeup or lotion without worrying about how the skin will react.

Of course, after a spa treatment, a refreshing beverage of icy cold iceberg water can only tingle the senses and refresh the mind, body, and spirit. We can’t think of a better way to end a special treatment with a client knowing what was actually put on the skin as a treatment is alsoconsumed inside the body as a refreshment long after the treatment is complete. Water alsofurther promotes detoxification in the body and hydration of the skin. Talk about an inner andouter glow..... beautiful.